Ditch the negativity

As I sit at my computer, I am looking out on snowy Kelowna, and wondering where spring has gone.

Doesn’t the weather realize it is the middle of March. Isn’t spring supposed to have sprung by now?

These are not unusual, or unique thoughts. In fact, they are downright common in the Okanagan these days. What is unusual, is that I’m not feeling frustrated, annoyed or any other negative emotion when I look at the snow, and tie up my snow boots one more time.

My lack of hostility toward the weather has me perplexed. I don’t ski, I don’t like cold weather, I love the summer. Why am I managing to be so calm about the length of winter? Did an alien invade my body when I wasn’t looking?

As it started to snow last night, I took the time to ponder this phenomenon. Why was I able to endure the cold season this year, when it has caused me so much angst in the past?

As an entrepreneur, with a husband, children, and aging parents, my life is always full, but this year I have increased clarity around what I want to accomplish in my business, and as a result work is occupying even more of my time than it has in the past.

Feeling depressed about the weather has to get in line behind all of the more pressing matters I need to deal with.

My home office window looks out on the weather, and I get out twice daily to walk my dog, but I have so much going on, that I don’t have time to give winter much more than a passing thought. My attention goes instead, to my business, family, business, friends, and business.

This is a good lesson to remember, and one I would recommend you tuck into your belt of wisdom. If there is something in your life that is causing negative emotions for you, don’t allow your thoughts to dwell on it.

If you are feeling desperate for better weather, and you can’t find the time, or money to jet off to a warmer climate for a few months, find a project to become absorbed in. Set yourself a goal that will challenge you enough that you don’t have time to think about the number of snow days we’ve had, or how cold it has been.

This strategy will work for any annoyance that is following you around, and is out of your control to change.

If you can’t do anything to make it better, and it is making you miserable, don’t think about it any more than is absolutely necessary. Let go of both it, and your depressed, and angry feelings.

If you pay attention to negative things, you will feel negative, so make it a habit to pay attention to positive things.

Of course, I am willing to accept that there are many winter sports enthusiasts who are loving this weather. For you, give the weather all the attention you can muster. Enjoy the snow and cold temperatures, for it will soon be spring.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.